Crypto crackdown architect Jorge Tenreiro sidelined in SEC overhaul
Jorge Tenreiro sidelined in SEC overhaul
Jorge Tenreiro, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) most prominent crypto enforcement attorney, has been reassigned to the agency’s IT department in a surprise move that signals a shift in the commission’s regulatory approach.
Tenreiro, who played a central role in high-profile cases against companies like Ripple, Binance, and Mango Markets, was widely regarded as one of the agency’s most aggressive litigators in its crackdown on digital assets, according to the Cryptopolitan.
His transfer comes amid a broader restructuring under newly appointed acting Chairman Mark Uyeda, following the resignation of former SEC head Gary Gensler in January.
A new direction for crypto oversight
The reassignment aligns with the SEC’s recent moves toward a more industry-friendly regulatory framework. Uyeda, under guidance from the Trump administration, has launched a task force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce to reassess how the agency handles crypto-related enforcement. Peirce, a longtime critic of the SEC’s litigation-heavy stance, has already floated the idea of an amnesty program for crypto companies willing to provide investor disclosures.
Tenreiro’s removal from enforcement follows mounting political and industry pressure. His attempt to expand securities laws in the SEC’s ongoing legal battle with Ripple triggered widespread backlash, while prior cases—such as the commission’s mishandling of the Debt Box lawsuit—have drawn scrutiny over aggressive prosecutorial tactics.
With the SEC now stepping away from its combative posture, Tenreiro’s reassignment marks a decisive turning point. The commission is expected to shift toward regulatory clarity and industry collaboration, rather than enforcement through litigation.
Recently, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has instituted a significant procedural shift that requires its enforcement staff to seek approval from the Commission before formally launching investigations.
